Get ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. This 4-hour guided fishing trip out of Milton puts you right where the action is. We're talking Pensacola Bay and Blackwater Bay – prime territory for redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. Captain Chris Porter knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to share his local knowledge with experienced anglers looking to up their game.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. We're geared up for serious anglers who want to dial in their techniques and target specific species. You'll be using top-notch gear and proven tactics like free lining and popping corks. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're always just a cast away from the next big bite. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, adjusting our approach based on tides, weather, and where the fish are biting. It's a hands-on experience – you'll be working your own rod and feeling every nibble.
Forget about just dropping a line and hoping for the best. We're talking strategic fishing here. Captain Chris will show you how to read the water, spot fish-holding structure, and present your bait just right. Free lining is perfect for those days when the fish are a bit finicky – it gives your bait a natural presentation that even the wariest redfish can't resist. When the bite is on, we'll switch to popping corks. That 'pop' sound drives fish crazy, bringing them in from all around. It's especially deadly for speckled trout. And don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing.
Milton's inshore waters are teeming with game fish, but a few species really stand out. Let's break 'em down:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of inshore fishing. They love to hang around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. In the fall, big schools of bull reds move into the bays – that's when things get really exciting. A 20-pounder isn't uncommon, and they'll test your drag and your biceps.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their name fool you – these guys are aggressive predators. They're known for their spotted patterns and their willingness to hit topwater lures. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for specks. When you find a school, it's non-stop action.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are like underwater vacuum cleaners. They use their barbels to detect crabs and shrimp on the bottom. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, they more than make up for it with their fight. The bigger ones can top 30 pounds, giving you a real workout.
Tripletail: These odd-looking fish are a real treat to catch. They love to hang out near floating objects, often lying on their sides to mimic debris. Sight-fishing for tripletail is a blast – it's like a game of hide and seek on the water. They're also excellent table fare, so if you're looking to bring home dinner, tripletail is a top choice.
There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water, or the explosion of a trout hitting a topwater plug. Or maybe it's just the peace of being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle. Whatever it is, once you experience Milton's inshore fishing, you'll be hooked.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to learn some new techniques, target a specific species, or just want to bend a rod with some hard-fighting fish, this trip's got you covered. Captain Chris knows these waters inside and out, and he's ready to put you on the fish. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies (or come solo – the fish don't care) and book your trip now. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
These big bruisers are some of the heaviest fish we target inshore, often weighing 20-30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. Look for them around oyster beds and mudflats in 3-10 feet of water. They use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so fishing near structure is key. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum put up a solid fight, especially the bigger ones. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and good eating when smaller. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a fish finder rig. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - when that rod doubles over, you'll know you're in for a battle. Just remember to release the big ones, as their meat gets tough and less tasty after about 15 pounds.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often tailing in just 1-4 feet. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. They grow fast, hitting 28-33 inches in 3-5 years. The trademark black spot near their tail helps fool predators. Redfish put up a great fight, especially in skinny water where they can't dive deep. They'll eat just about anything when hungry, from crabs to big topwater plugs. Fall is prime time as they school up. For a fun challenge, try sight-casting to tailing reds in clear water. Use a weedless gold spoon or shrimp imitation and drop it right in front of their nose. Just be ready for an explosion when they pounce on it.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - that surface strike is hard to beat. Sea trout school up in deeper channels during winter, sometimes 100+ feet down. They put up a decent fight and taste great, with mild, flaky white meat. Spring and fall are your best bets. To catch them, try a popping cork rig with live shrimp or a soft plastic under it. Work it with sharp jerks to make noise and attract attention. Sea trout can be leader shy, so go with 20 lb fluorocarbon to improve your odds.
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that can reach 3 feet and 40 pounds, but average 18 inches and 2-13 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, often floating sideways to mimic debris. Look for them near buoys, crab traps, or weed lines from spring through fall. Sight-casting is the way to go - they usually swim near the surface. Tripletail put up a surprisingly acrobatic fight for their bulky shape. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat similar to grouper. To catch one, use a 7-9 weight fly rod or light spinning gear. Live shrimp under a popping cork works great. Cast past them and slowly retrieve, letting the bait drift by naturally. Be stealthy though - these guys spook easily. It's a fun, challenging fishery that's gaining popularity with anglers.
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